Don’t miss the after-hours celebration as we reveal the next A Novel Idea community book club selection. On Saturday, December 6, readers and community members gather to get the first look at the 2026 A Novel Idea pick (one for adults and teens, and one for young readers). Doors open at 6:00 p.m. at the Downtown Bend Library, and the unveiling takes place upstairs at 6:30 p.m. Join us for the unveiling—stay for the trivia, snacks, and bookish buzz.
“We started with a list of about 30 titles, and narrowing it down to the top five was no easy task,” says Liz Goodrich, Programs Supervisor at Deschutes Public Library. “The chosen book really stood out to our group and it provides ample entry points for meaningful conversations between readers.”
When A Novel Idea first started in 2004 it was with a simple question in mind: What would happen if everyone in Deschutes County read the same book? Now, more than two decades later, we know: people gather to engage in literature and take part in thought-provoking discussions. A Novel Idea builds community—one book at a time.
Make it a tradition the whole family can enjoy. A youth-edition book complements the adult selection, with both authors visiting Deschutes County in the spring. A Novel Idea is the largest community read program in Oregon, bolstered by a month of relevant events and book club discussions, and wraps up with a free and accessible visit from the authors. Whether you’ve read the book or simply want to take part in the main author events, everyone is welcome to join.
Read, discuss, and be inspired. “You might spot your neighbor or the person ahead of you at the post office with this year’s A Novel Idea book in their hand,” says Goodrich. “It’s all about engagement and the desire to connect with one another through a good story, and this year’s selection is a big one.”
Visit the A Novel Idea website (www.deschuteslibrary.org/novelidea) for a look back at the past 22 years. For more information about this or other library programs, please visit the library’s website at www.deschuteslibrary.org.
